October 2016, Monterey, CA. Save the date for the Hippolyte Bouchard Flag Raising Ceremony and Historic Re-enactment event on Saturday, November 19th from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Join us at the Lower Presidio Historic Park, described as “One of the Most Historically Significant Sites on the West Coast”. Come learn more about Argentine Hippolyte Bouchard’s raid in 1818 when he attacked the City of Monterey, the only land and sea battle ever to occur on the West Coast of the United States.

The City of Monterey, in partnership with the Old Monterey Foundation, is presenting this free community event to kick off a series of events over the next years that celebrate Monterey’s rich past. Learn more about the early military history of the area. Hear Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson proclaim its upcoming celebration of the Bicentennial of the Battle of Monterey. Dennis Copeland, City of Monterey’s Manager of Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives, will provide a brief military history of the very early period of the Lower Presidio Historic Park. See the Spanish flag lowered and the Argentine flag hoisted at the Bouchard Monument. Cheer or Boo as the “pirates” capture El Castillo and deploy to the Royal Presidio Chapel, now known as San Carlos Cathedral. It was built in 1794 and is the only remaining landmark from the time of the battle. Meet Argentine Captain Bouchard and his opponent Royal Governor Sola. Be the first to know about the plans for the Bicentennial of the Battle of Monterey and the initial planning for the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of Monterey coming in 2020. Bring the whole family and participate in all of the fun and pageantry on Saturday, November 19th!